HIWASSEE LOOP

Passengers switch sides at our midway point from the mountain side to the river side and vise versa so everyone has an opportunity to experience all scenic views.

Dome (9410):

• All ages
• Priced per Seat
• The dome is on the second floor of the car and features a glass top ceiling.
• Dome seats around 18 individuals
• Not recommended for individuals with mobility/walking issues
• Your ticket includes complimentary snack box and beverages onboard.

The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum offers a unique experience for visitors, with a Copperhill Special Train that features dome seating for the best view of the scenery.

Dome (Algonquin Park): 

• Ages 13+
• Priced per Seat
• The dome is on the second floor of the car and features a glass top ceiling.
• Dome seats around 18 individuals
• Not recommended for individuals with mobility/walking issues
• Your ticket includes complimentary snack box and beverages onboard.

The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is offering a special opportunity to experience the 360 degree views of the upper level dome. This is a great chance to see the beautiful scenery of the area.

Observation:

• Ages 13+
• Priced per Seat
• The observation seating is on the ground floor and features a round end with windows.
• Observation seats 12
• Not recommended for individuals with mobility/walking issues
• Your ticket includes complimentary snack box and beverages onboard.

The observation car is a type of passenger coach, often found at the rear and thus with windows for viewing. This form was nearly universally removed from service on American railroads beginning in 1950’s but some still exist today!

Coach:

• All ages
• Priced per Seat

Crown Class:

• This is the ground level seating area in car 9410.
• Your ticket includes complimentary snack box and beverages onboard.

Lounge:

• All Ages
• Priced per Seat
• Individual lounge seats 
• Your ticket includes complimentary snack box and beverages onboard

This train departs from Delano (9406 Hwy 411, Delano, TN 37325)  and NOT from Chattanooga. Departure from Delano is 1:30 p.m., return is approximately 6:00 – 6:30 p.m.

The Hiwassee Loop departure location is between 1 – 2 hours from Chattanooga, and it’s well worth the drive. Please give yourself enough time before our departure. It is the perfect place to spend a day if you’re looking for something fun and unique to do. The local police are on the lookout for speeders, so be sure to stay under their posted speed limits if you want to avoid getting a ticket.

• Snack items are available for sale on the train, including soft drinks, coffee, water, chips, crackers, and candy bars.
• You are also welcome to bring your own lunch with you (alcohol is prohibited).
• Souvenirs are sold onboard, including T-shirts, caps, and books.
• Restrooms are located on each train car.
• Trains consist of enclosed, climate-controlled coaches pulled by a diesel locomotive.
• Coach seating is open, while limited first-class tickets are available for reservation.
• Parking is located at 9406 Hwy 411, Delano, TN 37325

Videos:

Tennessee Adventures Begin – Discover the Hiwassee Loop’s Natural Beauty!

• Summary: Experience the Hiwassee River Gorge trip with the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, a 4-1/2 hour, 50-mile round trip through the scenic lower Hiwassee River gorge, ending at the Hiwassee Loop. Enjoy climate-controlled coaches and breathtaking views as the train ascends near Farner, Tennessee. Passengers can purchase snacks and souvenirs onboard. Departing from the historic Etowah Depot, this journey combines comfort and natural beauty, reflecting the mission of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. For schedules and group specials, contact the TVRM office. Start your scenic adventure in Tennessee today!

The Amazing Looping Railroad

• Summary:  The Hiwassee Loop, a railway engineering feat constructed in 1898, is located along the Hiwassee River near the North Carolina border in Polk County, Tennessee. Built by the Atlanta, Knoxville & Northern Railroad to replace switchbacks around Bald Mountain, it significantly reduced travel time between Marietta, Georgia, and Knoxville, Tennessee. The Louisville & Nashville Railroad later absorbed it. Today, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum offers scenic excursions and occasional freight operations on this historic line, saved from abandonment by the Tennessee Overhill Association in 2001. – Delay In Block Productions

1. How long is the Hiwassee Loop ride?
The full Loop experience lasts 3.5–4.5 hours, depending on routing and operational conditions.

2. Is the ride scenic?
Yes. The trip features dramatic river-gorge views, forested mountain slopes, wildlife sightings, and panoramic elevations throughout the Hiwassee River Gorge.

3. What is the “Loop”?
It’s a rare engineering feature where the track climbs over itself in a full spiral—one of only a few remaining railroad loops in North America and the only one east of the Mississippi.

4. Can I reserve tickets in advance?
Yes. Online advance purchase is strongly recommended, especially during peak fall dates, when trains frequently sell out.

5. Where do I park?
Use our designated parking area:
9406 Hwy 411, Delano, TN 37325

6. Can I bring food or drinks on board?
Light snacks and water are welcome.
Please keep the train clean by using the provided trash receptacles.
Alcoholic beverages and large coolers are not permitted.

7. Are restrooms available on the train?
Yes. Restroom facilities are located onboard selected cars and are never more than one coach away.

8. Is the train climate-controlled?
Most coaches include heating and air-conditioning, though temperatures may vary slightly with seasonal weather.

9. Does the train run if it’s raining?
Yes. The Hiwassee Loop operates rain or shine, and all coaches are enclosed and climate-controlled.

10. Why do passengers switch seats at the midpoint?
Because the train does not turn around, passengers are invited to switch sides halfway so everyone enjoys both river-side and mountain-side views.

11. Can I move around during the trip?
Yes. Passengers may walk through the cars, but please use caution when moving between coaches while the train is in motion.

12. What if I have trouble climbing stairs?
Please contact [email protected] before purchasing tickets.
Dome and Observation seating require climbing stairs and are not recommended for guests with mobility limitations.
Because these historic railcars predate ADA accessibility standards, wheelchairs cannot be accommodated. Guests who can self-board and use a standard seat are welcome.

13. Why can’t the train be boarded at the L&N Depot & Museum?
The depot sits along the active CSX mainline, which is restricted to freight traffic only. The Hiwassee excursions operate on the historic “Old Line,” which branches off the CSX near Wetmore.

14. Is food available onboard?
Yes. A commissary car sells snacks, drinks, and souvenirs.
Premium Dome and Observation passengers receive complimentary snacks.

15. Can I bring a pet?
Only trained service animals as defined by the ADA are permitted.

Special educational rates are available for the Hiwassee Loop excursion. Click here to learn more.

While the Hiwassee Loop offers one of the most breathtaking rail adventures in Tennessee, there are plenty of other memorable trips and experiences to enjoy with TVRM. Explore a few of our guest favorites below:

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